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Topic: Confusing Tow Ratings Defined (Read 396 times)

There are several different towing weights used here frequently, all with different definitions. Here is an attempt to better define these.

MAX TOW RATING is the most weight the manufacturer recommends being towed, based on a vehicle in the base configuration with max towing option. NO OTHER OPTIONS. No cargo in the vehicle. It does include a driver and a passenger who weigh 150# each. Before 2015, it included just the driver. The weight of all other passengers and cargo, including the hitch, and the weight of all options installed in the vehicle must be deducted from this weight. It applies to the actual towed weight, NOT the dry or UVW weight!

PAYLOAD is by definition, the vehicle GVWR MINUS the actual weight of the vehicle with a full fuel tank, NO passengers or cargo.At least for Ford, BASE WEIGHT is defined as the weight of the base model / configuration with a full fuel tank, no options, no passengers, no cargo.CURB WEIGHT is similar to base weight, but includes the weight of all factory installed options.The advertised PAYLOAD will be for a base model, or GVWR MINUS BASE WT.The real PAYLOAD for a specific vehicle is GVWR MINUS CURB WT (with options) and is found on the YELLOW BORDER PLACARD found on or near the driver door on all vehicles sold in the US since 2009. This includes no passengers or cargo.

If this is not confusing enough, if you are looking at a SLIDE IN TRUCK CAMPER, then the published MAX CAMPER WT will include a 150# passenger in all seat locations.